Paths that cross...

In March of last year, in Krakow, our paths crossed briefly with an American, Jon, whilst we were working in the refugee centre in Krakow. 
Little did I think that some 15 months later, having not seen him in this period, but kept in touch, I would today be doing an aid run with him, as he happened to be here in Odesa.

Starting early, we went to a warehouse to buy food and hygiene products. The van filled to it's weight capacity. Bought by American donations. So many  brief connections that develop into real friendships.

It's not always easy to decide where to drop of the aid in Kherson. There is obviously so much need. We hope to be able to expand the number of "community leaders" who are able to distribute aid to in their own communities. However we have understood, that if one area gets aid, it can cause resentment in another area, with accusations of impropriety. 

Let me be clear.....there is nothing that A does that is wrong. I have total confidence in her and what she does.

The alternative, is to to take it to a large aid organisation and let them distribute it. However as usual it's never simple. There is a warehouse in Kherson, that have a lot of aid, but not enough money to fill volunteers cars with fuel to be able to distribute the aid...and we have been informed, the state doesnt help.

On a totally different subject, as we stopped for our morning coffee this morning, we saw the biggest, shiniest Mercedes I've ever seen. I was informed it was an AMG, whatever that might be, and that I would have to find £200,000 to buy it. A beautiful young woman stood by it, making I presume a very important phone call. The chaffeur waiting patiently. 
I think, on such a big car, I would like to put a big red cross aid sticker on it, stuff it full of aid, and get it doing something useful. And I see lots of these really big cars. I do wonder how many are being used to help Ukraine?
I have to ask people here, in your big posh cars, driving through the streets of Odesa at ridiculous speeds....are you doing enough for your country? As we might say happen not.

But what I will remember most of this day, is of a little girl caught up in this terrible war. 

As we were unloading the van, a small cardboard box became available. This tiny girl, faced with two big men, claimed this box for herself, wouldn't take no for an answer and made it into a car. We did a high five. People often ask us why we are here....why wouldn't you be?  
We shared what we had...
We feel so grateful that we can share what we have with these families. We have more than 50 photos that we have been sent of people receiving items. They are all moving.
As ever we are grateful that they have let us into their lives.

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